Hazard Analysis

In 1984 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to better plan for and cope with all-hazard situation, initiated a national program known as the Integrated Emergency Management System (IMES).  The purpose was to have a comprehensive approach to emergency management with general guidelines and formats applicable to the local jurisdiction.

Essentially, this program determined the hazards and magnitude of risk for a local jurisdiction, assesses the existing and required capability to respond to a situation, and establish realistic local plans that define necessary actions for closing any gap between existing and needed capability.

Hazards analysis involves determines the kinds of hazards, based on history, research, and common knowledge, to which a local jurisdiction is subject.  Combining knowledge of hazards possible with their potential impact results in measuring the all-hazard vulnerability of the local area.

Oconee County has performed a hazards analysis, and updated the analysis routinely.  Most hazards are common to all areas of the State of South Carolina.  General information for hazards can be found on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division's Hazard Analysis website.  In addition, there is information available on the National Disaster Education Coalition website.